Aren’t there some spine specialists on here?

My shits fucked up. I’m having this done...

"L2 + L3 Decompression with Transfacetal Discectomy, plus Internal Fixation with Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion".

I don’t know what any of that shit means. Basically I’ve got 2 discs that are gone, and one of them broke off and the loose chunk went in and is pressing on shit, making my right leg not work right, and go numb.

The way I understood him, he is going to remove a section of my spine (2 joints), fish out the loose disc fragments, repair the nerve channel, the reconstruct those 2 joints with this funny looking contraption that will be made of Titanium, my own bone, and some adjustable discs.

He showed me the 3D model of it. It looks cool.

- So, what kind of recovery time am I looking at?
- What are the possible complications?

I have had enough surgeries to know the generic possible complications (infection, hematoma, etc).

But what are the potential risks from these particular procedures?

 

You will be shorter.

 

By the way, he said if I was 30 years older, he would just fuse my spine and be done with it. But because I’m healthy, and in good physical shape, he said I am a prime candidate for this option and a full recovery.

Rebuilding my spine with this contraption (instead of straight fusion) will allow me to retain full mobility (with proper rehab).

 

Get them to make your back make transformer noises or GTFO

 

I've had that in my L4 since 1992. Bottom line, it will get worse with age. First doc wanted to fuse the area. Got a 2nd opinion and he said a series of epidurals would help. They did initially and for many years. Now I have episodes that last about a week two to three times a year. I just live with the pain. It sucks but I did it to myself.

 

You do not want your spine fused. That is the absolute last treatment option.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

How many “good years” did you have before it started hurting?

Since I’m getting 2 of them (L2 and L3), do you reckon I could end up with more constant pain at some point?

 

@ton to the white courtesy phone, please.

 

you may be done with heavy deadlifting, squats. it is going to affect you more than you think. back problems are bad Ju Ju. Sorry Chris. hope you heal well, and fast. Ski

 

I find the first 70% of this post unacceptable.


But thanks for the last part.

 

mine was super simple in comparison, so i don't have anything useful to offer.

 

have you thought about a complete Ti replacement? Like Robocop.

 

Titanium hardware? Ask him how much for the carbon fiber upgrade.

 

Tell the Doctor you want a spine from a Donkey ... that should fix you up just right

 

Now we are getting somewhere...

 

I have a fuse in my neck from 5 years ago. Wasnt great but i was almost killed and had some temporary paralysis.

Long and short is the fuse had to happen. The disc above the fuse is on the way out. Im still active, on the bike every now and again and just started playing ice hockey again.

But the wear and tear is taking a toll and im only 40. If you can stave off a fuse, try to combat it with epidurals and chiropractors. One fuse will eventually lead to another....and another.

 

Good luck. back pain sucks.

Try not to come out looking like this guy...

 

Ya Broome, hope you're back on your feets ASAP..

 

I do MRI every day and xray/CT in years past. Also worked in the OR operating the C-Arm taking live xray with our neurosurgeon doing these cases for years. Once you've had spine surgery, there's no turning back. Some people do great with it for years with no further issue. Many many we see continue to have issues as the years go on that worsen with time leading to more and more surgeries.

At the very least, get a second opinion from another neurosurgeon and look into other options to help with your issue and symptoms (other then staying on pain meds). As active of a lifestyle you have, I personally don't believe this is a road you want to go down unless you have no other options. I. myself have two bulging disc and issues in my neck with similar symptoms in my upper extremities. Surgery is an absolute last resort of any kind for me regarding anything spine related just with my own personal experiences seeing many patients through the years on all sides of this type thing. I will exhaust every other option I have to improve any issues before that ever comes close to even being talked about. Not trying to scare you or anything of that sort, just an honest and personal opinion from someone within the field with 17 years experience. From everything I've seen from you on here and the book of faces, you prefer blunt honesty and with as active as you are, I feel you should at least hear all sides and consider your options.

Either way, spine issues suck and I wish you the best with any treatment you seek and your recovery!